Place of birth and dietary intake in Ontario. II. Protein and selected micronutrients.
BACKGROUND
Because of the importance of dietary intake on health, this study investigated the relationship between place of birth and nutrient intake in Ontario, using cross-sectional data from the 1990 Ontario Health Survey.


METHODS
Adults (age = 18) were categorized as nonimmigrants (born in Canada; n = 29,458) or immigrants (born outside of Canada, classified by countries of birth; n = 7,158). Protein, calcium, iron, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin intakes were studied (a companion article describes energy and other nutrient intakes). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses investigated the association of place of birth with nutrient intakes, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and ethnicity.


RESULTS
The proportions of subjects at an increased risk of "inadequate" nutrient intakes were relatively low. However, immigrants (particularly from Asian countries) were at a higher risk of inadequate intakes of protein (OR = 1.51, P = 0.001), calcium (OR = 1.41, P < 0.0001), and iron (OR = 1.44, P = 0.002) compared with nonimmigrants. Immigrants from various Asian countries were more likely to report inadequate thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin intakes.


CONCLUSIONS
Some immigrants groups in Ontario display higher risks of inadequate protein and micronutrient intakes compared with nonimmigrants. More research on the nutritional status of these subgroups is needed to develop culturally sensitive health and nutrition promotion programs.
Pomerleau
J
J
Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.
Ostbye
T
T
Bright-See
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients; D008875:Middle Aged; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009864:Ontario; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D018977:Micronutrients; D014131:Trace Elements; D014815:Vitamins